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Seven Munster Players In Ireland U20 Squad

Head Coach Noel McNamara has confirmed the Ireland U20 side to face Wales U20s on Friday night in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay.

There is one change to the starting side that were victorious in Cork last Friday night against France, where the 31-29 victory secured the U20 Six Nations title for Ireland.

The change comes at out-half, where Harry Byrne returns to the team having missed the French game through injury.

Seven Munster players are named in the squad with Jake Flannery, Seán French, Jonathan Wren, Craig Casey, Josh Wycherley and John Hodnett all starting as Ben Healy takes his place among the replacements.

The pack is unchanged for the fifth consecutive game, with props Wycherley and Thomas Clarkson again starting alongside hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin.

Flankers Martin Moloney and Scott Penny line out in the back-row along with Number 8 Hodnett.

Byrne renews his half-back partnership with Craig Casey, with French and Liam Turner again linking up in the centres.

Flannery starts at full-back, with Wren and Angus Kernohan on the wings.

Prop Ryan Lomas will win his first U20 cap if called upon from the replacements.

On selection of the final team for the championship, McNamara said: “It was great to win the title with last week’s win over France, but it’s testament to the players how they’ve parked the victory and are fully focused on what can be achieved in Wales this Friday night.

“They are a really tight knit-group, which I think has been evident in their performances over the last number of weeks.

“They have one final test this week and the group are really relishing the challenge and opportunity that Friday will bring.”